Calling all writers

TAP into a local network of passionate writers with the Bendigo Writers’ Council.

Committee member Dr Penny Davies said the group could help a range of wordsmiths achieve their ambitions.

“The idea is to bring together writers of all abilities and people with an interest in a diverse range of genres to participate and share their writing but more have an opportunity to learn from experts,” she said.

Two-hour workshops are held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Bendigo Library hosted by professionals of the craft.

Last month’s event featured children’s author Katrina Nannestad, with April and May focused on climate fiction with Jason Nahrung and self-publishing with EJ Dawson, respectively.

“We try to, where possible, have people who are local because we have so many published writers in our area,” Dr Davies said.

“We have people coming who do radio presentations, we have journalists, people who publish magazines, the various types of writing, everything from romance to sci fi and bits in between.”

“Writing can be such a solitary occupation, so to meet likeminded people and to be able to continue those relationships is important.

“If you’re sharing with another writer, you can be more critical in a caring way and you have that opportunity to explore what it is you’ve been thinking about and ways that you may be able to express it that you really hadn’t thought about before, and of course to gain encouragement.

“We have lots of people who’ve gone on to have very successful careers as novelists and poets who started off with Bendigo Writers’ Council over the years.”

To get involved, search Bendigo Writers’ Council on Facebook or visit their website.